Q:        Who can borrow seeds?

A:        Anyone can borrow seeds from the seed library. You don't need to have a library card – just fill remember to record all donations and withdrawals in our Member Log Book at the Library.

Q:        What time is the seed library open?

A:        The seed library is open when the public library is open. It's self-serve and self-checkout. There is a Member Log binder at the Seed Library to record any donations or withdrawals.

Q:        What do you mean “borrow” seeds? How can I do that if I plant them?

A:        Plant the seeds. If you “borrow” seeds that have a green star (“super easy”), learn how to save the seeds from those plants. (Check our “How to Save Seeds” booklet for instructions!) They are “super easy” for beginning seed savers. At the end of the season, you return seeds from the next generation of plants. Don’t worry, there are no fines if you don’t save seeds; however, if we all start to save our “super easy” plants, our community can be more resilient, and you’ll have your favorite seeds for next year already. Don’t save seeds from “difficult” (red star) plants unless you know how to do so properly.

Q:        Do I have to bring seeds to participate?

A:        No, but bringing seeds helps to keep the library stocked!

Q:        Who can use the Propagation Library?

A:        Anyone can borrow and donate cuttings at the Hunterdon County Library System Propagation Library. No HCLS library card is required, but please remember to record all donations and withdrawals in our Member Log Book at the Library.

Q:        Do I have to bring cuttings to participate?

A:        No. However, bringing cuttings in keeps the library stocked, so if you do not have cuttings to donate ("check in") when you "check out" a cutting, remember to save cuttings from your "borrowed" plant when it is ready for a trim. Similar to returning a borrowed library book, bringing in a rooted cutting from a "borrowed" plant returns the plant to the Propagation Library for someone else to enjoy. Unlike with books, there is no due date, so make sure to only take cuttings once your plant is established, healthy, and ready to be trimmed back.

Q:        What can be donated to the Propagation Library?

A:        Healthy, rooted plant cuttings. Roots should be established prior to donation to ensure all cuttings are viable. All cuttings should be rooted in water to reduce the transfer of pests.

Q:        What about plants that cannot root in water?

A:        Plant species that cannot be rooted directly in water can be donated, but should be rooted prior to donation. Plants should be rooted in dirt in a disposable container no larger than 3 inches. Both the plant cutting and dirt should be inspected for pests prior to donation. At this time we are not accepting large potted plant donations.

Q:        Do I need to bring a container?

A:        The roots of your cutting should not be allowed to dry out during transport, but the Propagation Library is fully stocked with jars and water to leave your cuttings in. Whatever you use for transport can return home with you, with or without a new "checked out" cutting. Whenever possible, we ask that you bring a container when you come to borrow plants from the Propagation Library. The Library has plastic bags available for transport, but bringing a reusable container from home reduces plastic waste.